Share

Peterson focusing on Cobras

Cape Town - The opposition should be on a timely warning if they encounter the Cape Cobras during the Champions League Twenty20.

They can expect carrom balls from both ends, reports the supersport.com website.

Both the international offspinner Dane Piedt and the South African left-arm spinner Robin Peterson can deliver the ball that is flicked between the thumb and the bent middle finger and is known in parts of India as the sodukku ball.

A rejuvenated Peterson, who was a key to Surrey’s run all the way to the T20 Blast finals, said he is bowling the carrom ball much better now than when he trapped Zaheer Khan in front with a so-called googly in the third Test in Durban in December 2013.

"Both Dane and I have been working on it.

"I can regularly bowl that delivery now and I also used it in England," he said.

Peterson was dropped from the South African team following the defeat to Australia at SuperSport Park, but the 35-year old allrounder said he is not focusing on the national team right now.

"The SA team is so good that they wouldn’t want to change the squad right now.

"But frankly, my focus is on the Cobras and on winning trophies for them," he added.

Mental fatigue possibly contributed to his loss of form at international level, he admitted. For the last two years he almost played, trained and travelled non-stop, and it did impact on his on-the-field feats.

"I was suffering (mentally) because of too much cricket.

"I was just playing too much.

"Right now, I am in a good space.

"On the pre-season tour of the Cobras (to Potchefstroom and Johannesburg) I bowled with great rhythm.

"I’m also striking the ball beautifully," he added.

Peterson took 10 wickets for Surrey at an average of 35.20 in the T20-competition in England and also helped them to get to the final with a superb late cameo of 24 as they beat Worcesterhire by three wickets.

One of Peterson’s greatest assets is his tremendous ability as a lower-order batsman and occasional opener in all the formats.

He represented the Eastern Province men in hockey as an 18-year old and also played SA Schools.

Robbie P, as he is affectionately called by his teammates, has a wristy approach to batting and regularly uses the reverse sweep and even the switch hit to smash bowlers.

"I don’t practice that much, but it is possibly something I got from the hockey," he added.

Peterson said the loss of Dale Steyn would impact the Cobras during the Champions League Twenty20.

"Not too many people are writing us up, but our focus will be on the first two games.

"If we win it, we have a good chance of getting to the playoffs," he added.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE